Justo Sierra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Justo Sierra Méndez
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| Secretary of Public Instruction and Fine Arts | |
| In office April 25, 1905 – March 24, 1911 |
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| President | Porfirio Díaz |
| Associate Justice of the Supreme Court | |
| In office 1894–1901 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | January 26, 1848 Campeche, Yucatán |
| Died | September 13, 1912 (aged 64) Madrid, Spain |
| Resting place | Panteón de Dolores |
| Nationality | Mexican |
Justo Sierra Méndez (born January 26, 1848 – died September 13, 1912) was an important Mexican writer, historian, and politician. He was known for his liberal ideas during a time in Mexico called the Porfiriato. This period lasted from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.
Sierra was also a leader of a group called the Científicos, which means "the scientists." These were smart thinkers who helped guide the government of President Porfirio Díaz.
Life and Career
Justo Sierra was the son of a famous Mexican writer, Justo Sierra O'Reilly. His father helped him love books and writing. When Justo Sierra was 13, in 1861, he moved to Mexico City. This was also the year his father passed away.
It was also when France tried to take over Mexico, known as the Second French intervention in Mexico. Justo Sierra and his friends felt very patriotic. He became a strong supporter of liberal ideas for his whole life.
His most famous writings are about the history of Mexico. They cover the times of presidents Benito Juárez and Porfirio Díaz. His book Evolución política del pueblo mexicano is especially important. Sierra became a member of the Mexican Academy of Language in 1887. He was also its director from 1910 until he died.
Public Service
Justo Sierra was elected many times to the federal Chamber of Deputies. This is like being a representative in the country's main law-making body. He also worked for the government in other roles.
From 1905 to 1911, he was the Secretary of Public Education. This meant he was in charge of schools and education for the whole country. Even though he worked for President Díaz, he always believed in liberal ideas. He did not hide that he disliked the strict way Díaz ruled.
After Díaz was removed from power in 1911, Francisco I. Madero became president. Madero chose Sierra to be Mexico's ambassador to Spain. This meant he represented Mexico in Spain. Sierra sadly died in Madrid in 1912 from a brain aneurysm while working there. His body was brought back to Mexico. President Madero himself led the big funeral for him.
Historian
Justo Sierra made a huge impact on how Mexican history was written. His history books about Mexico before the Mexican Revolution were used in public schools for a long time. Even after the revolution, President Álvaro Obregón's education minister, José Vasconcelos, republished Sierra's book Historia Patria for students to use.
Images for kids
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Justo Sierra's birthplace in San Francisco de Campeche.
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A monument built to remember Justo Sierra in Campeche.
See also
In Spanish: Justo Sierra Méndez para niños
- Mexican literature
